Using MEWPs among trees: Do you know the risks?
MEWPs are a safe way of providing temporary access at height for tree care work and vegetation control. This is necessary in both urban and rural locations – often in public areas close to pedestrians and passing traffic. The main hazards involved are:
- inadequate planning, including site and risk assessment;
- poor ground conditions;
- over-reaching or standing on guardrails;
- failing to wear appropriate PFPE or failing to attach lanyard to manufacturer-approved anchorage points;
- contact with or arcing of power lines to platform occupants, conductive object, or any part of the MEWP;
- being struck by falling objects or materials;
- attaching branches to the MEWP to swing/lower away from the work area, or any use of the MEWP as a crane;
- being struck by passing traffic;
- pedestrians entering work zones;
- excessive wind/changeable weather;
- injuries from cutting equipment;
- wildlife (nesting birds, wasps or bees);
- exceeding the safe working load of the MEWP.
See also: H1: Fall Protection in MEWPs, Use Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) Toolbox Talk, Safe Use of MEWPs to Manage Trees and Vegetation leaflet, IPAF operator training courses
